Cutting foam on the waterjet

[50BMG DUDE]

Hi Guys,

Want to cut some 3" thick foam inserts on the flow jet.

This is the kind of foam you find in gun cases, not sure what it is called exactly.

Any ideas on how to hold it? I'm thinking of sandwiching it in between a couple sheets of OSB. Anybody got a better way?

Abrasive or straight water? (gotta use abrasive to get thru the OSB if I do it my way)

 

[Ghost]

I've cut a lot of foam over the years, usually firmer than that. Just lay it on a sheet of osb or masonite and cut it, it shouldn't move. Don't use abrasive or put anything on top, it will just embed into the foam. Hardest part is keeping the foam clean.

 

[50BMG DUDE]

Does straight water cut into/thru the OSB on the bottom? I've never tried this before and I don't have a spare piece to test on

 

[TKassoc]

I did it once by lowering the water level in the tank and setting the foam on a sacrificial sheet of cardboard. The cardboard turns to mush but stops the dirty backsplash from contaminating the foam.

 

[Bondo]

I don't waterjet, but I suggest using tempered hardboard instead of cardboard. Tempered hardboard is basically the osb version of cardboard. It's glued and heavy pressed. Very firm but you can punch through it.

 

[welderjosh]

The water alone will cut through the OSB. We do it all the time.

 

[50BMG DUDE]

I'll give it a shot with some hardboard

Thanks!